The single player who finishes the regular season with the most home runs becomes MLB's official home-run leader for the season.

That title shapes MVP narratives, award debates, fantasy payouts and a player's public legacy for years.

Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are among the leading sluggers contending for the home-run crown.

Younger breakout candidates like Junior Caminero, James Wood, and Elly De La Cruz plus veterans such as Mike Trout and Rafael Devers also factor into who wins.

Ballpark dimensions, lineup protection, and a hitter's health determine opportunities and raw power outcomes.

Changes in swing approach, plate appearances, pitching quality faced, and midseason trades can quickly shift odds for any candidate.

All-Star break timing and the August trade deadline are key inflection points for playing time and lineup construction.

Monitor weekly home-run tallies, IL moves, platoon shifts, and matchups against homer-friendly parks especially during September's final stretch.